Greetings, the woman offers a warmer smile, and a knowing nod, I am Merrilan, and this is Tabathe. She pats the girl on the shoulder, but her hand remains their protectively. We are simply talking, exchanging news and rumors from other parts of the city. What brings you this part of the city? and what news from other areas do you have to share?
Knowledge Local for Ophelia Nik and Elden.
Nice to meet you, I'm Ophelia, this is Besnik and Elden. She pauses a moment, looking to Nik and gives him a slight nod before returning her attention to the Merrilan. My friend here has lost his brother, Tobar, we heard rumor that he has been seen around these parts. We were hoping to find him, or at the least find someone that may know more.
I doubt anyone here knows anything about Tobar, unfortunately, but it is a good excuse, and could earn us some sympathy.
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Nik kneels down in front of the mother and daughter, smiling warmly. He lays his staff on the ground and addresses the young girl but is careful not to approach further.
Sora soră, prietenul meu vorbește adevărul. Poate că mi-ai văzut fratele. Ar arăta probabil bolnav și avea un câine mare urmând în spatele lui.
Rom looks up from Nik's shoulder at the girl and mimics a whistle.
Sau poate știți unde găsim un dulce?
Tabathe shakes her head no and looks at her mother, Merrilan, who answers Nik's question in Varisian Din păcate am văzut mulți care se potrivesc cu descrierea fratelui tău, mai ales în Old Korvosa, dar nici unul recent. before returning to Taldane, We have found it creates distrust when we speak Varisian in front of others who do not. Let us continue in Taldane, so that there are no secrets.
The little girl points to Rom, while still looking at her mother, I like him, he's funny!
Maybe we can steer the conversation towards the girl
Is there any news you can share with us?
The crowd responds in general, sometimes even arguing amongst themselves; but allowing for questions regarding any of their statements:
King Eodred didn’t die of old age—he was made sick and thus murdered by someone he trusted! My money’s on the castle seneschal, Neolandus. Why else would he flee Korvosa after Eodred’s death?
Rumors that King Eodred was murdered are false; he died of old age, and anarchists are using the tragedy to damage Ileosa’s reputation and perpetuate unrest in the city. scoffs another.
No Korvosan monarch has ever died of old age. No Korvosan monarch has ever produced an heir after being crowned. They call it the ‘Curse of the Crimson Throne.’ No way in hell would I ever sit in that chair if I got crowned!
We need a hero like Blackjack, I wish he would return now that we need him most!
The Acadamae’s closed its doors and says the doors will stay closed until the troubles in Korvosa die down. Can’t say I blame them!
Hellkingiht patrols and vigilantes patrol the streets, both seem to favor Varisian targets; that is when they can't get their hands on a Shoanti. I heard they even lynched a kid.
The Shoanti aren’t here to broker peace. They’re just sizing us up in preparation for war! argues another.
Been more sightings of river ghosts lately; you know, the little blue spirits that sneak around in the alleys and abduct drunks or others foolish enough to sleep on the streets!
As they talk, they also ask you about any other parts of the city, if it is true that the otyugh are breaking loose, and if there is any word on shipments of food and supplies.
In response to their questions:
At least one otyugh escaped the sewers, we came across it. I haven't heard of others, though, it may just be the one incident.
I've heard no word on food or supply shipments, sorry.
Follow up questions:
I've heard the queen is looking for a poor girl to blame the death of the King on. I'm certain she's innocent, but it would awful if she was caught and blamed for it.
Who is Blackjack? What would he be able to do for the city?
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Nik looks at the person who mentioned the Shoanti and war.
The Shoanti are cousins to my people, and it seems they share more with us here than I imagined. It is no wonder both peoples avoid cities such as this, all they face is pain and anger here.
Nik looks around for any Hellknights or other guards and continues.
Perhaps our people should prepare for war and bring this place down to its foundations?
Response to Ophelia -
The two people who mentioned the king respond, I still say it was the Seneschal! Why would some girl murder the king? That makes no sense.
Bah, its all a plot to throw the city into chaos so that other powers can usurp our Queen and steal the throne!
Apparently this has been an ongoing topic of debate, as several of the others just roll their eyes.
Blackjack is a legendary hero! says the little girl with wide eyes and an enthusiastic smile. He is a hero, who fights for the poor and less fortunate, and has for hundreds of years! He always appears in a black cape and mask when we need him most! In a moment she if off swinging an invisible sword with the other children. Her mother continues, Blackjack is a legend, and he is real. He has a way of inspiring the city and making things better for the people.
At Nik's comment about preparing for war the old Varisian woman womps him on the back of his hand with a wooden spoon hastily drawn from an apron pocket.
You will do no such thing! This is my home, home to my children and their children, and one day I hope their children. I won't have their lives wasted in destruction, bitterness, anger and hate.
She brandishes the spoon an inch from Nik's nose. When did you loose your way, that you cannot see the beauty, happiness and hope here? Can you not see the potential for all our peoples.
She goes on for a few minutes further muttering to herself more than Nik. For a moment the crowd is is silent, stunned and amused, then Rom breaks the silence, Ți-a spus!
At which those that speak Varisian begin laughing heartily, and explaining it to those that do not, easing the tension of the moment.
You may continue to speak with the group or pursue some other actions:
Trisane - still need to give these guys time... but you are up in the Shingles climbing and moving towards the upper levels of this building.
In response to the conversation about the king:
Ophelia's voice grow louder as she responds, It doesn't make sense, not at all. You may be right about that plot, but the fact is that poor girl is in trouble, unless someone steps in to help her.
Hopefully, someone here knows about this girl, maybe this will spark some action.
She'll then glance around and see if anyone else is taking notice of their conversation.
When Ophelia makes her statement, the men jump in again...
Bah, it is nothing but a bunch of troublemakers stirring things up for no other reason than to spread lies about Ileosa and stir up the city.
I still say it was the Seneschal - slunk away and is waiting for the right moment to step in and seize the throne. If it was this girl, then hang her from the nearest signpost and be done with it!
From the looks on the other's faces they have heard this all before.
Sense motive from Ophelia.
As the old woman waves the wooden spoon at Nik's nose, Rom takes off from Nik's shoulder and twists through the open doorway into the darkness.
Rom could be our way in.
Ophelia looks to Nik, Nik, where'd Rom go? Should you go after him?
Is Rom looking for her? Should we follow?
Ophelia trails after Nik, excuse me, I'm sorry, excuse me.
The crowd lets you pass and you enter the building. While not poor, the residents are certainly not wealthy, this a working class dwelling. It is not luxurious and kept up just enough to remain usable. The smells of cooking and city living hang heavy in the halls.
Room soars up several tight stairwells. You find him perched atop a banister on the second floor.
Despre timp - de unde până acum?
Ophelia glances around, looking for anyone who may be hiding, or anything out of the ordinary.
If she doesn't see anything that sticks out, she'll head slowly up the stairs, feigning not wanting to scare off Rom.
There are several open doors with nosy tenants that peek out, the normal noises such as voices and sounds of work, but nothing seems out of the ordinary for an apartment building.
Ophelia nods to Nik, I guess so, though I may have another idea.
She reaches into the folds of her pocket, Wake up, Aurelia. We're looking for someone and I need your help. She turns towards Nik, Perhaps Aurelia can sneak under the doors for us.
Ophelia will describe the girl they are looking for as best as she can and let Aurelia down on the ground. Let's take a look.
As Aurelia slithers under several door jams, you talk to some additional residents.
Give me 3 diplomacy or bluff rolls and 3 sense motive rolls as you make your way around the second and third floors.
Hang in there Trisane - almost back to you
You climb upwards and inquire about Trinia with several residents. You both realize that the residents know more than they are telling you and that they are collectively protecting the artist.
Ophelia looks to Nik as Aurelia slithers back to her. She whispers, Asta este, dar u?a este blocata.
This is it, but the door is blocked.
She'll gather the snake, thank her, and place her back in the folds. Once Nik is ready, she'll knock on the door, Hello? Please, we are here to help.
She'll cast a spell, open/close, on the door and see if it will open.
There is no response from within the flat to Ophelia's knock, and her spell fails to open the door.
Trisane - a perception check please.
I figured as much, but had to try. I don't want to cause a scene and I certainly don't want to scare her off.
Ophelia sighs and looks to Nik, This should be the room. I don't really want to bash the door in, that would cause too much commotion. Maybe there's a better view or entrance outside, through a window? I could stay here, if you want to check, or find Trisane? Unless you have a better idea.
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Trisane has been practicing his Varisian. I could send Rom to let him know what we have found. Rom might be able to help him find the exact window.
Nik turns back to Rom as he roosts on the nearby banister.
Bine Rom, e timpul să mergi la muncă. Du-te afară și găsește Trisane. Spune-i că credem că am găsit camera potrivită. Numără porțile aici și îl conduce la fereastra din fața acestei uși. Am înţeles.
Nik then sends Rom out to look for Trisane.
Rom nods along with Nik.
Găsește-o pe cea inteligentă, înțelegi. Spune-i pe cel inteligent că te salvează, înțelegi.
Rom flies along the hall for a second, noting the number of doors. Then he heads down the stairs to the open door, looking to find Trisane on the roof.
Nik and Ophelia - An additional Perception check please.
One, two, four, dinner time, three...
Nik and Ophelia hear a couple of thumps from inside the flat, then silence.
Ophelia looks to Nik, Ai auzit asta? Cineva e înăuntru.
Did you hear that? Someone's inside
Ophelia will attempt to help.
Nik pushes against the door and hears the sounds of scraping as the door barely shudders, Ophelia put a shoulder into it and several chairs clatter into the room.
This one-room (15-foot-by-15-foot) flat combines all the amenities of a bedroom, a kitchen, and a painter’s studio, leaving little space for much else. A stack of cheese and bread sits on the counter next to several full waterskins, while the easel in the opposite corner holds a half-completed painting of an imp and a house drake fighting atop a church steeple. A single window looks out over the tangled rooftops of the city; just under it sits a low bed with a thin blanket.
Outside, Trisane is faced with a tangle of debris from a fallen shanty lean-to to maneuver past to follow the girl.
Ophelia lets Aurelia down, Where did you see here?
She'll then begin to search the room, focusing on the area Aurelia indicates.